Mining machine



June 20, 19533. M R HOLMES '1,914,503

MINING MACHINE Filed Deo. '7, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l Q g @S im N .Rb QQ m @QM @D E June 2:0, 1933. v I M P HOLMES 1,914,503

MINING MACHINE Filed Deo. 7. 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Egg-3 3 5 [4 f (C) I Y@ 6M ZZ v 9 49 43% if 94 afg@ June 20, 1933. M p, HOLMES ,914,503

MINING MACHINE' Filed DeO. 7, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inn-l n f4 Z6 e Patented .lune 2Q, i933 sensei MINING MACHINE Application filed December 7, 1929.

This invention relates to mining machines and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an improved iiexible feeding means for a coai mining machine of the bottom cutting type.

An object of this invention is to provide an ',mproved coal mining machine and more particularly an improved feeding mechanism for a coal mining machine of the flexibly fed bottom cutting type. A further object is to provide an improved flexible feedingl means for a coal mining machine having embodied therein improved speed varying means whereby a variable feeding speed may be attained. Another object is to provide in a coa-l mining machine of the aforesaid character' an improved varia le step by step or intermittent feed mechanism whereby a comparativeiy wide range of feeding speeds may be attained. Still another object is to provide in a mining machine of the aforesaid character an improved variable ratchet feed. i further object is to provide an improved variable ratchet feed having embodied 2.5 ther v ry the speed transmitted by the ratchet iech mism whereby a relatively wide range f feeding speeds may be attained. Another lject is to provide an improved flexible ceding means including a variable speed ransmission mechanism for effecting drive rcf the feed operating member of a mining iine of the flexibly fed bottom cutting whereby, with a comparatively simple n' ecanism, a wide range of feeding speeds may be attained, and having incorporated .herein an automatic drive release means or safety device for permitting release or slip- L between certain of the feeding parts,

'C t9 thereby eliminating the possibility of breakage of the mechanism upon overload of the i" operating member. A further object is to provide an improved feeding mechanism for a coal mining machine which is exceedingly flexible in operation and readily adiustable to vary the rate of feed and one which comprises but relatively few expensive parts, `hereby reducing the cost of manufacture and expense of repair, Yet anetl er object is to provide an improved ein improved power operated means to` Serial No. 412,516.

feeding mechanism for a mining machine of the aforesaid character which is exceedingly simple, rugged and compact. rFliese and other objects andy advantages of this invention will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

Yin the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,-

Fig. l is a plan view of a coal mining machine having incorporated therein the illustrative embodiment of the improved flexible feeding means.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the mining machine shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan View illustrating the improved flexible feeding means, parts being shown in section to illustrate details of construction.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional View taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 6 6 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is detail sectional view taken on line 7n? of Fig. 3, parts being shown in elevation to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view taken on line 8*-8 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view illustrating the speed varying mechanism.

Fig. l() is a detail view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. ll a detail sectional view taken substantially on line ll-ll of Fig. 9.

F lQis a detail sectional view illustrating the plunger lock for the ratchet reverse means.

ln this illustrative embodiment of the invention the improved feeding means is shown embodied in a coal mining machine of the flexibly fed, bottom cutting, long-wall type although itis evident that the same may belincorporated in machines of various other types. The mining machine generally comprises a frame or body 1 having a smooth plane bottom surface 2 forming a sliding support upon which the machine is supported during movement thereof over the mine bottom. As is usual in longwall machines, the body 1 comprises a central motor 'ection 3, a cutter carrying section 4 and a feed section 5, the motor section 3 being interposed between and rigidly secured to the cutter and feed sections 4 and 5 respectively, thereby forming a low compact frame slidable over the mine bottom. Pivotally mounted on the cutter frame secton 4 at the rear end of the machine body for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto is an elongated plane cutter bar 6 carrying on its margin an endless cutter bit carrying cutter chain 7. As is usual in mining machines of the longwall type the cutter bar G carries a rotatable loci'- ing pin 8 adapted to coop-crate selectively with a series of notches 9 form-ed on a circular flange 10 integral with the cutter frame section 4, for locking the cutter bar G in positions at opposite sides of the machine body at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body or in a central longitudinal position as shown in Fig. 1. Housed wit-hin the motor section 3 is a motor 11 herein preferably of the reversible electric type having `tf armature shaft 12 horizontally disposed and extending longitudinally of the machine. Any usual transmission mechanism housed within the cutter frame section 4 is provided to operatively connect the cutter chain 7 to the motor 11, for instance transmission mechanism similar to that disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 136,446, filed September 20, 1926, now matured into Patent No. 1,815,372, patentedduly 21, 1931.

Improved flexible feeding means is provided for feeding the machine over the mine bottom during the cutting operation and for moving the machine from place to place about the mine and herein includes a feed operating or haulage member, herein a feed drum 13, mounted, in the illustrative construction shown, for rotation about a vertical. axis on the feed frame section at the forward end of the machine body. Cooperating with this drum is a flexible feeding element, herein a feed cable 14. Arranged at opposite sides of the forward end of the machine adjacent the feed drum and suitably journaled about ver- "l tical axes on the feed frame section 5 are guide rollers or sheaves 15, and these sheaves are adapted to guide the feed cable 14 relative to the feed drum duringthe various operations of the machine. Electrical energy is conducted to the motor 11 through a usual flexible conductor cable 16, and any suitable electrical controlling apparatus is employed including a controller handle 17 for controlling the electrical circuits of the motor. Housed within the feed frame section 5 and arranged in the drive between the forward end of the armature shaft 12 and feed drum 13 is the improved variable speed transmission meclianism whereby the feed drum 13 may be driven in either of opposite directions within a relatively wide rang-e of feeding speeds as hereinafter desc 'ibed.

The improved variable speed transmission means, as illustrated in the drawings, comprises a spur pinion rigidly fixed as by a key 21 to the forward end of the motor armature shaft 12 as clearly shown in Fig. 3. This spur pinion meshes with an internal gear 22 housed within a chamber 23 formed within the feed frame section 5. This internal gear is provided with a hub portion 24 journaled on a bearing member 25 supported by a horizontal longitudinally extending shaft 26 arranged parallel with the motor shaft. Interposed in the drive between the internal gear 22 and the shaft 26 is a drive release means or friction slip device generally designated 27 for permitting relative movement between the internal gear and shaft upon overload of the feeding means, thereby eliminating the possibility of breakage of the feed gearing and other related parts. 1n this instance, this release device 27 comprises a clutch member 28 keyed at 29 to the shaft 26 and having a hub portion journaled within a ball bearing 30 suitably supported within the feed frame section. This clutch member is provided with an in- \.f'ardly directed flange 31 with the opposite sides of which engage friction discs or plates 32. Resiliently held in position upon the hub of the internal gear 22 as by springs 33 and cooperating bolts is a clutch applying plate 34 which yieldably maintains the clutch plates 32 in frictional engagement with the flange 31 and corresponding flanges formed on the members 22 and 34. The springs 32 of this clutch device are set under a predetermined tension so that when a predetermined load is imposed upon the shaft 2G the clutch will automatically slip. As shown, the shaft 26 is supported by the hub of the clutch member 28 at one end and at thi` other end within a member 35 journaled within a ball bearing 36 suitably supported within the feed frame section. The member 35 is provided with a hub portion secured as by a key 37 to the shaft 26 and an integral cylincfi al plate or disc portion 38 having secured thereto a crank pin 39 arranged eccentrically with respect to the shaft axis. The crank pin 39 of the crank disc is connected by a transverse link or connecting rod 40 to a variable speed mechanism generally designated 41 mounted for oscillatory movement about a horizontal longitudinal axis upon bearings 42 supported Within the feed frame section. As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the connecting rod 40 is connected to a crank pin 43 supported within projecting ears 44 formed integral with an oscillatory frame 45. This frame is supported for oscillatory movement by a projecting` shaft portion 46 mounted within the left hand bearing 42 and a hub portion 47 supported on the right hand bearing as shown in Fig. 9. Formed on the frame 45 is a guideway 48 in which is slidably mounted, for radial movement with respect to the frame axis, a frame member 49 havin@ upstanding lugs 50 supporting a crank pin 51. This frame 49 is adjustable within this guideway relative to the frame 45 to vary the position of the crank pin 51 relative to the pivotal axis of the frame 45 as will later be described. As illustrated, the crank pin 51 is connected by a transverse link or connecting rod 52 (see 6) connected to a crank pin 53 secured to an oscillat-ory pawl carrier 54 mounted on a bearing sleeve 55 surrounding the shaft 26. This pawl carrier carries two sets of oppositely acting spring pressed pawls 56 and 57 adapted to have alternative coacting engageY ment with internal ratchet teeth 58 formed on a cylindrical ratchet member 59. The member 59 has a huh port-ion keyed at 60 to the sleeve 55. The sets of pawls are operative to effect rotation of the sleeve 55 in either of opposite directions and improved means is employed for rendering the sets of pawls alternatively effective and herein comprises a disc-like member or annular plate 61 having a central opening through which the shaft 26 extends and provided adjacent its outer periphery with a projecting shoulder 62 engaging the external periphery of the pawl carrier for supporting the same on the pawl carrier. The member 61 has formed on its outer periphery spur gear teeth 63 with which teeth of a spur pinion 64 are adapted to mesh. rl`he spur pinion 64 is formed integral with e reciprocable shaft 65 mounted for axial movement within a bore 66 formed within the feed frame section. Secured to the outer end of the shaft 65 is an operating handle 67 conveniently located. at the forward end of the machine adjacent the controller handle 17. A spring 68 interposed between the frame and handle normally holds the shaft 65 in its outermost position, thereby normally maintaining the teeth of the spur pinion 64 out of engagement with the teeth 63 on the annular plate 6l. As clearly shown in Fig. 7 the member 61 is arcuately slotted at 69 to permit angular movement thereof about the axis of the sleeve 55; the slot permitting movement of the member 61 relative to the crank pin 53 carried by the pawl carrier. As illustrated, the internal surface of the member 61 is arcuately recessed at 7 O at diametrically opposite points and these arcuate recesses permit one set of the pawls to move into operative engagement with the ratchet teeth as shown in Fig. 7, while the other setis pressed inwardly away from the ratchet teeth and held inoperative by engagement with the internal surface of the shoulder 62 of the member 61. lVhen the member 61 is moved into its position opposite from that shown in Fig. 7 the recesses 70 permit the other set of pawls 57 to be brought into effeet, wiile the set of pawls 56 are moved into their inoperative position by engagement of the internal surface of the shoulder 62 therewith. A spring pressed plunger 71 is carried within a bore or recess 72 formed within the pawl carrier 54 and this plunger is engageable kwith notches 73 and 74 formed on the inner surface of the member 61 for holding the latter in either of its positions. It will thus be seen that the ratchet and pawl mechanism may be reversed at will simply by moving the spur pinion 64 into mesh with the teeth 63 on the pawl reverse member 61 and rotating the pinion to shift the pawls into their different positions.

in thel present construction the sleeve 55 is journaled in ball bearings 75 suitably support-ed within the feed frame section and has formed integral therewith a worm 76. As clearly shown in Fig. 4 the worm 76 meshes with a worm wheel 77 rotatable about a vertical axis and keyed at 78 to a clutch sleeve 79 rotatably supported on a vertical shaft 80. 'l he worm gearing 76, 77 is self-locking thereby preventing reverse movement of the feed drum when the pawls slip backwards over the ratchet teeth: Keyed at 81 to this shaft is a clutch sleeve 82, 'the shaft being supported at its upper end within a ball bearing 83 engaging the clutch sleeve 82 and at its lower end within a ball bearing 84. The clutch sleeve 82 is provided with clutch teeth which are interoclied with clutch teeth on a shiftable clutch member 85, and when the member 85 is in the position shown in Fig. 4 the teeth thereof are also engaged with the teeth on the clutch member 7 9, thereby interlocking the members 79 and 82 together and connecting the worm wheel to the shaft 80. lThe shiftable clutch member 85 is provided with a shipper yoke 86 secured to a horizontal longitudinally extending operating rod 87 rotatably mounted within the frame section 5 and having secured thereto at its outer end an operating handle 88. Herein formed integral with the shaft 8O is a. spur pinion 89 meshing with the teeth of an internal gear 90 preferably formed integral with the feed drum 13. As shown in Fig. 4 the feed drinn is provided with a hub portion rotatably supported on ball hearings 91 suitably carried within the frame section 5. It will thus be seen that when the clutch member is in its connected position as shown in Fig. 4 and when one set or the other of the pawls 56, 57 are in engagement with the ratchet teeth 58 the feed drum 13 may be driven in one direction or the other through the transmission connections described above from the armature shaft 12.

Now referring to the improved variable speed device 41 for adjusting the crank pin 51 toward or away from the axis of oscillatory movement of the frame 45 to vary the throw thereof, it will be noted that threadedly connected at 92 to a nut 93 formed integral with the crank pin 51 is an adjusting screw 91 This screw is keyed at 95 to the hub of a bevel gear 96 journaled within a bearing bracket 97 secured, as shown in Fig. 9, by a screw 9S to the hub -7 of the oscillatory frame lo. This bevel gear 9G meshes with a bevel gear 99 keyed at 100 to a shaft 101 rotatably mounted within a sleeve 102 which, as shown in Fig. 9, also forms a support for the bearing` 112 for the hub 47 of the frame 45. Secured by a eotter pin 103 to the outer end of the shaft 1.01 is a ratchet member 104 having external ratchet teeth. Engageable with these ratchet teeth is a reversible pawl 105 supported by a shaft 106 carried by a ratchet housing 107 secln'ed t the feed frame section. This pawl 105 is clutched or otherwise connected at 108 to a handle 109 also supported by the shaft 106. This handle carries a springl pressed plunger 110 engageablc with a locking recess in the shaft 101 for holding the. handle 109 in its central or neutral position with the pawl 105 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth. lVhen the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 9 with the pawl released from the ratchet and the frame 15 is oscillated, the bevel gear 96 is moved back and forth about the axis of the shaft 101, thereby causing gear 99 to partake of the oscillation of frame 45, with the result that there is no rotation of screw 91 on its axis. lhen it is desired to effect movement of the crank pin 51 inwardly toward the axis of the oscillatory frame 15, the operator grisps the handle 109 and holds the pawl 105 in engagement with the ratchet teleth, thereby preventing rotation of the bevel gear 99 in one direction, but permitting the ratchet member d to slip in the reverse direction. As a result, upon swinging movement of the frame 15 about its pivotal in one direction the teeth of the bevel gear 90 acting upon the teeth of the stationary gear 99 will cause the former to rotate7 rotating therewith the screw 9d. Rotation of this screw causes the nut 93 carried by the crank pin to be drawn inwardly moving the crank pin supporting frame 149 within its guideway 1-8 toward the pivotal axis of the oscillatory frame 15. It will thus be seen that as the frame 1-5 moves back and forth the screw 94 is intermittently rotated, moving the crank pin 51 in definite steps inwardly toward the axis of the oscillatory frame. t is evident that when the pawl 105 is thrown in the opposite direction the gear 99 is held against rotation in the opposite direction, and as a result the screw 9-1 is intermittently rotated during back and forth movement of the oscillatory frame L moving crank pin 51 in the opposite direction, i. e. outwardly away from the pivotal axis of the frame 45. It will thus be seen that the throw of the crank pin 51 may be varied by power so that a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum may be obtained. The cotter pin 103 acts as a safety device so that if undue strain is placed on the adjusting parts, for instance if the nut on the crank pin 51 were to engage the hub of the bevel gear 96 during adjustment of the parts7 the cotter pin will shear of disconnecting the member 10a from the shaft 101. If desired7 a spring or other suitably releasable latch or detent device may be used to prevent rotation between gear 99 and huh L't7 except when arm 109 is held to one side. The packing 111 is suliicient, however, to prevent undesired rotative motion.

The mode of operation of the improved mining machine will now be described. Then it is desired to move the machine at a relatively fast haulage speed over the mine bottoni the feed cable 14 is extended directly from the feed drum 13 to a suitable anchor or roof jack heated in advance of the machine. The motor 11 is then started by suitable manipulation of the controller handle 17 and the operator then grasps the handle 109 of the variable speed mechanism 41 and moves the pawl 105 to a position to hold the ratchet member 104 against rotation in a direction so that as the frame 15 is oscillated the crank pin 51 will be moved by power by the screw 91- to its outermost position as shown in Figs. 6 and 9. lVhen the clutch member is in its connected position the winding drum 13 is rotated in windingl direction at a relatively high speed, winding in the cable 14- and moving the machine bodily over the mine bottom at a relatively fast haulage speed. `When the machine is suitably positioned adjacent the coal face as shown in Fig. 1 the operator disconnects the clutch member 85 and then shifts the pawl 105 to its reverse position. and as a result the crank pin 51 is slid inwardly by power toward the axis of tlrc oscillatory frame -15 until the desired feeding speed is attained` the handle 109 thereafter being moved into its neutral position. The feed cable 14 is then extended from the feed drum around the guide sheave 15 adjacent the coal face and rearward along the inner side of the machine body as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and connected in a usual manner to suitable attaching means carried by the locking pin S as clearly described in my copending application mentioned above. The cutter chain 7 is then connected in a usual manner to the motor, thereby effecting circulation of the same rapidly about the margin of the cutter bar G. The clutch member S5 is then moved into its connected position and the winding drum is rotated in winding direction at a relatively slow speed, windingin the feed cable and thereby swinging the cutter bar 6 about its pivot from the central dotted line position shown in Fig. l to the full line` position shown in that figure t effect the sumping cut the clutch t` ereafter beine released. The cutter bar is the looked to tne niacliinebody by the locking pin 8. The feed cable is then detached from the cutter bar and extended from the feed drinn around the guide sheave l5 adjacent the coal face and forward from the machine shown in full lines in Fig. l, the free end of this cable being connected to a suitable anchor or roof jack located adjacent the coal face in advance of the machine. The clutch 85 is then again moved into its connected position and the drum is rotated by power in winding direction at a relatively slow s Deed, winding in the cable let and moving the machine bodily along the coal face at a cutting speed, causing the cutter bar to cut a horizontal kerf beneath the face of the coal. lf, during the cutting operation, it is desired to change the rate of rotation of the feed drum 13 or if it is desired to set the variable speed device at a certain predetermined speed prior to the cutting operation, the Operator shifts the handle 1091 tola position. to effect adjustment of the craint pin 5l in the desired direction radially relative to the pivotal anis of the oscillatory frame Ll5 to vary the throw of the ratchet. t will thus be seein that the feeding speed may be adjusted variably by power and that a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum may be ob-l tained, the inward extreme of movement of frame member i9 bri D "f pin 5l into coaxial relation with the beariiigs e2,

lf it is desired to effect rotation of the feed f direction, this may be accomplished simply by grasping the liandle 6"? and sliding `pur pinion 6ft inwardly into meshing engagement with the teeth on the pawl reverse member (5l. Upon rotation of the pinion the member Gl is rotated into a position to render the desired set of pawls 57 active. These and other uses and advantages of toe improved variable speed 'feedingmechanisn'i will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

As a result of this invention it will be noted that an improved flexible feeding means is provided for a mining machine of the flexibly fed bottoni cutting type and having incorporated therein an improved variable speed device whereby a relatively wide range of feeding speeds may be Obtained. lt will further be noted that an improved vari able ratchet feed is provided having einbodied therein reversing means whereby the feed operating member for the machine may be operated in either of opposite directions without reversing the motor. It will still further be evident that the improved flexible feeding means is of a simple, rugged and compact structure readily adapted to withstand 'the severe demands of service encounter-ed in mines, the feeding mechanism being further provided with a safety release device whereby the driving connection between the motor and the feed gearing may be automatically interrupted upon overload of the feeding mechanism.

l/Vhile there is in this application specilically described one form which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms Without departing from its spirit or the scope of the append-ed claims.

lll hat l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patentis:

l. si, mining machine feeding mechanism including' a rotatable feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and rev-ersible variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds between Zero and a predetermined maximum including adjustable speed varyingl elements, manually controlled means operated by said motor for adjusting said speed varying elements to vary the rate of feed, and means for reversing the direction of rotation of said member without reversing said motor.

2. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a ratchet and pawl transmission device having elements adjustable to vary the rate of feed, manually controlled means operated by said motor for adjusting said speed varying elements, and means-ilor reversing said device to drive said feed operating member in either of opposite directions without reversing said motor.

3. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating` member including speed varying elements, and manually controlled means operated by power from said motor for adjusting said elements to vary the rate of feed.

Zl. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate oirectly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a ratchet and pawl transmission device having elements adjustable to vary the rate of feed, and manually controlled means operated by power from said motor for adjusting said elements.

5. A lnining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member including speed varying elements, and reversible manually controlled means operated by power from said motor for adjusting said elements to either increase or decrease the rate of feed.

(3. A'mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum and including adjustable speed varying elements and means for adjusting said elements by power from said motor.

7. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum including an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot and a cooperating speed adjusting element, and means for adjusting said speed adjusting element either toward or from said pivot by power from said motor to vary the rate of feed.

8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a. motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum including an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot and a cooperating speed adjusting element carried by said oscillatory element, and means for adjusting said speed adjusting element either toward or from said pivot by power from said motor to vary the rate of feed.

9. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum and in cluding an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot and a cooperating speed adjusting element, and means for adjusting said speed adjusting element either toward or from said pivot intermittently by power from said motor only upon movement of sa id oscillatory element in one direction.

l0. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating mcmbe adaptml to cooperate directly with fiexible means. a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum and including an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot and a cooperating speed adjusting element, and means for adjusting said speed adjusting element either toward or from said pivot intermittently by power from said motor only upon movement of said oscillatory element in one direction, said speed adjusting element being disconnected from said motor during the movement of sa id oscillatory element in the opposite direction.

ll. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a. predetermined maximum and including an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot and a. cooperating speed adjusting element, and means for adjnsting said speed adjusting element either toward or from said pivot intermittently by power from said motor only upon movement of said oscillatory element in one direction, said adjusting element remaining stationary with respect to said pivot during movement of said oscillatory element in the opposite direction.

l2. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving connections between said motor vand said fend operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from zero up to a pred etermincd maximum inclnding an oscillatory element swingable about` a fixed pivot, ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism driven by said oscillatory olement including a crank pin carried by said oscillatory element and adjustable either rnward or from said pivot by power from said motor to vary the ratc of feed.

13. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed drl A connections between said motors and san feed operating member for driving the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding movement of said oscillatory element in one direction.

lll. ifi mining machine feeding' mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor, and variable speed driving' connections between said motoi' and said feed ope-rating member for driving' the latter Aat a relatively wide range of feeding' speeds from zero up to a predetermined maximum including` an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot, ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism driven by said oscillatory element including' a crank pin carried by said oscillatory element and adjustable ei ther toward orfrom said pivot by power said motor intermittently upon movement of said oscillatory element in one dircction, said crank pin adjust-ino; means being disconnected fi'oin said motor during' movement of said oscillatory element in the opmeans, a motor, andvariable speed driving citi connections between said motor and said feed operating; member for driving' the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding speeds from Zero up to a predetermined maX- imum inclndino' an oscillatory element swing*- eole about a fixed pivot. ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism driven by said oscillatorv clement including; a crank pin carried by said oscillatory element and adjustable either toward or from said pivot by power from said motor intermittently upon movement of said oscillatory element in one direction, said crank pin remaining' stationary with respect to said pivot during' movement of said oscillatory element in the opposite direction.

16. A mining' machine feeding' mechanism including` feed operating` member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding; means, a motor, and variable speed driving' connections between said motor and said feed operating member for driving` the latter at a relatively wide range of feeding' speeds from Zero up to a predetermined maximum and including an oscillatory element swingable about a fixed pivot, ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism driven by said oscillatory element and having' a crank pin carried by said element and adjustable either toward or from said pivot, and manually controlled power operated means driven by said motor for adjusting` said crank pin toward or from said pivot to vary the rate of feed.

17. A mining` machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating' member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving' said member including a driving element arraua'mi on a horizontal axis extending' longitudinally of the machine, a. coaxial driven element, ay motor shaft, connections between said motor shaft and one end of said driving element, and driving connections between the opposite end of said driving; element and said driven element for transmitting intermittent rotation to the latter including a step by step variable speed transmission device.

18. A. mining; machine feeding mechanism including' a feed operating,` member adapted to cooperate directly with and draw in ilexiblc feeding' means, and motor operated devices for driving` said member including' a drive shaft, a motor` shaft, driving' connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft, a hollow driven shaft l through which said drive shaft extends, and

driving` connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said hollow driven. shaft for driving the latter at a different annular rate from said drive shaft.

i9. A mining' machine feeding' mechanism including; a feed operating' member adapted to cooperate directly with :flexible feeding means. and motor operated devices for driving` said member including; a drive shaft, a motor shaft, driving' connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft, a driven shaft arranged on a hori Zonta? axis extending longitudinally of the machine, and variable speed driving' connections between the. other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft for transmitting' intermittent rotation to the latter and includin a step by step transmission device.

'fito Q0. A mining machine feeding' mechanism ,A

' lio the other endof said drive shaft and said driven shaft, and driving` connections between said driven shaft and said feed operating member including' a worm driven by said driven shaft, and a worm wheel meshing with said worm and operatively connected to said uber ai i .in fier;-

s a Ad said member including' a i n i i iiidsl l imita: iC-

drive shaft, a motor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft, a hollow driven shaft through which said drive shaft extends, variable speed driving connections between 'the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft, and driving connections between said driven shaft and said feed operating member including a worm driven by said driven shaft, and a worm wheel meshing with said worm and operatively connected to said feed operating member.

A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed ope `ating member adapted to cooperate directly with and draw in flex ible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including a horizontal drive shaft, a motor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft, a hollow driven shaft through which said drive shaft extends, and speed-reducing driving connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft.

Q3. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding` means, and motor operated devices for dri ving said member including a horizontal drive haft extending longitudinallyv of the machine. a motor shaft, driving' connections between said motor shaftand one end of said drive sh aft, driven shaft., and variable speed driving connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft for transmitting intermittent rotation to the latter an d including a step by step transmission device.

2l. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with and draw in flexible 'feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including a horizontal longitudinally extending drive shaft, a motor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft, a hollow driven shaft through which said drive shaft extends. and speedredncing driving connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft.

A mining machine i'eeding mechanism inclnding a feed operatingl member adapted "o cooperate directly with flexible feeding' means, and motor operated devices for drivino; said member including' a horizontal longitudinally extending` drive shaft, motor shaft. driving' connections between said mo- !'or shaft and ons` end of said drive shaft, a hollow driven shaft through which said drive shaft extends, and variable speed driving connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft.

Q6. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member disposed on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and inotor operated devices for r p-tating .said niember including a driving element, a coaxial driven element operatively connected to said feed operating men'iber, a motor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and said driving element arraiiged at one side of a transverse vertical plane including said feed member axis, and speed-reducing driving connections between the opposite end of said drivi clement and said driven elei'nent arranged at the opposite side of aforesaid transverse vertical plane.

2T. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member disposed on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for rotating said member including' a driving' element, a coaxial driven element operatively connected to said feed operating member, a n'iotor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and said driving element arranged at one side of a transvei,V

1e vertical plane including said feed member axis, and variable speed driving connectifms between the opposite end of said driving element and said driven element arranged at the opposite side of aforesaid transverse verticaly plane.

28. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a horizontal motor having its power shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, and driving connections between said power shaft and said member includingr a horizontal shaft parallel with said power shaft, a hollow shaft through which said parallel shaft extends, driving connections between said power shaft and said parallel shaft, and variable speed driving connections between said parallel shaft and said hollow shaft.

29. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a horizontal motor having its power shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said power shaft and said member including a horizontal shaft parallel with said power shaft, a hollow shaft through which said parallel shaft extends, driving connections between said motor shaft and said parallel shaft, and variable speed driving connections between said parallel shaft and said hollow shaft includingr a variable speed device for elfecting drive of said hollow shaft at any speed between zero and a predetermined maximum.

30. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a horizontal motor having its power shaft extendinglongitudinally of the machine, driving connections between said power shaft and said member including a horizontal shaft parallel with said power shaft, a hollow shaft through which said parallel shaft extends, driving connections between said motor shaft and said parallel shaft, variable speed driving connections between said parallel shaft and said hollow shaft, a worm driven by said hollow shaft, and a worm wheel meshing with said worm.

3l. A mining machine feeding mechanism n including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with and draw in .flexible feeding means, a horizontal motor having its power shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, driving connections between saidpower shaft and said member including a horizontal shaft parallel with said power shaft` a. hollow shaft through which said parallel shaft extends, driving connections between said motor shaft and said parallel shaft, and variable speed driving connections between said parallel shaft and said hollow shaft including a variable speed device for effecting drive of said hollow shaft at any speed between Zero and a predetermined maximum, a worm driven by said hollow shaft, and a worm wheel meshing with said worm.

32. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating ,member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated ,devices for driving said member including a rotatable driving element, an oscillatory driven element, and devices between said .driving element and said driven element for transforming the rotary motion of the former to an oscillatory motion 'of the latter including a variable speed device having an oscillatory element, and means operable at will during rotation of said driving element and including an element adjustable toward and from the axis of oscillation of said oscillatory element for varying the degree of oscillation transmitted through said device to obtain a wide range of feeding speeds between Zero and a predetermined maximum.

33. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotatable driving element, an intermittently rotatable driven element, and variable speed driving connections between said elements including an oscillatory member having a fixed axis of oscillation, connections between said driving element and said oscillatory member for transforming the rotary motion of the former to the oscillatory motion of the latter, and means between said oscillatory member and said driven element and including a variable speed ratchet and pawl device for transforming the oscillatory motion of the former to an intermittent rotary motion of the latter, said ratchet and pawl device including an oscillatory pawl carrier.

34. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotatable driving element, an in termittently rotatable driven clement, and variable speed driving connections between said elements including an oscillatory member having a fixed axis of oscillation, connections between said driving element and said oscillatory member for transforming the rotary motion of the former to the oscillatory motion of the latter, means between said oscillatory member and said driven element and including a variable speed ratchet and pawl device for transforming the oscillatory motion of the former to an intermittent rotary motion of the latter, said ratchet and pawl device including an oscillatory pawl carrier, and means for varying the de gree of oscillation transmitted by said oscillatory member to obtain a wide range of intermittent rotary motion of said driven member between Zero and a predetermined maximum.

35. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotary driving element., a coaxial driven element, and a variable speed device for transforming the rotary motion of said driving element to an intermittent rotary motion yof said driven element including an oscillatory element coaxial with said elements and operatively connected to said driven element, and driving connections between said driving element and said oscil latory element.

36. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotary driving element, a coaxial driven element, and a variable speed device for transforming the rotary motion of said driving element to an intermittent rotary motion of said driven element including an oscillatory element coaxial with said elements and operatively connected to said driven element, and driving connections between said driving .element and said oscillatory element, and means for varying the degree of oscillation of said oscillatory element to obtain a wide range of intermittent rotary motion of said driven element between Zero and a predetermined maximum,

37. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotary driving element, a driven element, and a device between said driving element and said driven element for trans forming the rotary motion of the former to an intermittent rotary motion of the latter including a crank driven by said driving element, an oscillatory member driven by said crank, a member operatively connected to said driven element, and a link connecting said oscillatory member and said last men@ tioned member and pivotally connected respectively thereto.

38. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotary driving element, a driven element, and a device between said driving element and said driven element for trans forming the rotary motion of the formerv to an intermittent rotary motion of the latter including a crank driven by said driving element, an oscillatory member driven by said crank, a member' operatively connected to said driven element, and a link connecting said oscillatory member and said last mentioned member, and means for vary ing the throw of said link to obtain a wide range of intermittent rotary motion of said driven element between zero and a predetermined maximum.

39. A mining machine feeding mechanism including. a rotary driving element, a driven element, and a device for transforming the rotary motion of said driving element to an intermittent rotary motion of said driven element includingr an oscillatory member, connections between said driving element and said oscillatory member for effecting oscillatory movement of the latter, a step by step rotation transmitting device operatively connected to said driven element and in* cluding an oscillatory element, and driving connections between said oscillatory member and said step by step rotation transmitting device.

40. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a rotary driving element, a driven element, and a device for transforming the rotary motion of said driving element to an intermittent rotary motion of said driven element including an oscillatory member, connections between said driving element and said oscillatory member for eifecting oscillatory movement of the latter, a step by step rotation transmitting device operatively connected to said driven element and including an oscillatory element, driving connections between said oscillatory member and said step by step rotation transmitting device, and means for varying the degree of intermittent rotary motion jtransmitted by said device to obtain a wide range of speeds between zero and a predetermined maximum.

4l. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and a variable speed ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism in the drive between said elements including an oscillatory pawl carrier, means for oscillating said pawl carrier including an oscillatory member, and connections between said oscillatory member and said pawl carrier including al member pivotally connected to said oscillatory member, and means for varying the distance between the pivotal connection of said connecting member to said oscillatory. member and the axis of oscillation of said member for varying the degree of oscillation of said pawl carrier. A

42. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and a variable speed ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism in the drive between said elements including an oscillatory pawl carrier, means for oscillating said pawl carrier including an oscillatory member, and connections between said oscillatory member and said pawl carrier including a member pivotally connected to said oscillatory member, and means for adjusting the point of pivotal connection between said connecting member and said oscillatory member radially toward and from the axis of oscillation of said member.

43. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and a variable speed ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism in the drive between said elements including an oscillatory pawl carrier, means for oscillating said pawl carrier including an oscillatory member, and connections between said oscillatory member and said pawl carrier including a member pivotally connected to said oscillatory meniber, means for varying the distance between the pivotal connection of said connecting member to said oscillatory member and the axis of oscillation of said member for varying the degree of oscillation of said pawl carrier and including an elementV mounted for sliding movement on said oscillatory member and to which said connecting member is pivotally connected, and means for adjusting said slidable element.

44. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and a variable speed ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism in the drive between said elements including an oscillatory pawl carrier, means for oscillating said pawl carrier including an oscillatory member, and connections between said oscillatory member and said pawl carrier including a member pivotally connected 'to said oscillatory member, means for varying the distance between the pivotal connection of said connecting member on said oscillatory member and the axis of oscillation of said member for varying the degree of oscillation of said pawl carrier and including an element mounted for sliding movement on said oscillatory member and to which said connecting member is pivotally connected, and means for adjusting said slidable element including coactiiig rela@ tively rotatable threaded elen'ients. L

A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven elcment, and driving connections between sa id elements including an oscillatory member having a fixed axis of oscillation, connections between said driving element and said oscillatory member for transforming the rotary motion of the former to the oscillatory motion of the latter, an oscillatory pawl carrier actuated by said oscillatory member, and a ratchet for transforming the oscillatory motion of said pawl carrier to an intermittent rotary motion of said driven element.

46. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and driving connections between said elements including an oscillatory member, a rotary member actuated by sai-d driving elcment, a link pivotally connected to said rotary member and said oscillatory member for transforming thel rotary motion of the former to the oscillatory motion of the latter, an oscillatory pawl carrier, a link pivotally connected to said pawl car ier and said oscillatory member for transforming the oscillatory motion of thel latter to said pawl carrier, and a ratchet actuated by said pawl carrier for transforming the oscillatory motion thereof to an intermittent rotary motion of said driven element.

e7. A mining machine feeding` mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and driving connections between said elements including a rotary member actuated by said driving element, an oscillatory member .mounted for swinging movement, a link connecting said rotary member to said oscillatory member, an oscillatory pawl carrier, a linlr connecting said oscillatory member and said pawl carrier, and a ratchet actuated by said pawl carrier for transforming the oscillatory motion thereof to an intermittent rotary motion of said driven clement.

e8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including a driving element, a coaxial driven element, a motor shaft, connections between said motor shaft and one end of said driving element and arranged at one side of a vertical plane passing through the axial center of said feed operating member, and driving connections between the opposite end of said driving element and said driven element including a variable speed transmission device arranged at the opposite side of the aforesaid vertical plane.

49. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including a drive shaft, a motor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft and arranged at one side of a vertical plane passing through the axial center of said feed operating member, a driven shaft, and variable speed driving connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft and arranged at the opposite side of the aforesaid vertical plane.

50. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means land motor operated devices for driving said member including a horizontal drive shaft, a motor shaft, driving connections between said motor shaft and one end of said drive shaft and arranged at one side of a vertical plane passing through the axial center of' said feed operating member, a horizontal driven shaft, and variable speed driving connections between the other end of said drive shaft and said driven shaft and arranged at th-e opposite side of the aforesaid vertical plane.

5l. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a driving element, a driven element, and a variable speed ratchet and pawl transmission mechanism in the drive between said elements including an oscillatory pawl carrier, means for oscillating said pawl carrier including an oscillatory member, a member mounted on said oscillatory member for adjustmenttoward and from the axis of oscillation thereof, and transmission connections between said driving element and said adjustable member.

52. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving mechanism for said feed operating member including a hollow worm shaft, a worm thereon, a worm wheel meshing with said worm and operatively connected to said feed operating member, and driving means for said worm shaft including a transmission shaft rotatable with respect to said worm shaft and extending therethrough and a. speed-reducing device operatively connecting said transmission shaft to said worm shaft.

53.v A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate direct-ly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated driving mechanism for said feed operating member including a hollow worm shaft, a worm thereon, a worm wheel meshing with said worm and operatively connected to said feed operating member, and driving means for said worm shaft including a transmission shaft rotatable with respect to said worm shaft and extending therethrough, and a variable speed transmission device in the drive between said shafts.

54. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted `to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element rotatable about a vertical axis, a driving element disposed on a horizontal axis, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including devices arranged at opposite ends of said driving element and including an oscillatory transmission element swingable about an axis f a motor shaft, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including an oscillatory transmission element arranged with its axis of swinging movement parallel with the motor shaft axis.

56. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory element, a crank between said motor driven element and said oscillatory element, a driving element, a variable speed device between said oscillatory element and said driving element, and connections between said driving element and said feed operating member.

57. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory element, a crank between said motor driven element and said oscillatory element, a driving element, a step by step speed reducing device between said oscillatory element and said driving element, and connections between sa-id driving element and said feed operating member.

58. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory element, a crank between said motor driven element and said oscillatory element, a driving element, a reversing mechanism between said oscillatory element and said driving element, and connections between said driving element and said feed operating member.

59. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory element, a crank between said motor driven element and said oscillatory element,

a reversible variable speed device between said oscillatory element and said driving element, and connections between said driving element and said feed operating member.

60. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding lneans and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory element, a crank between said motor driven element and said oscillatory element, a reversible step by step speed reducing device between said oscillatory element and said driving element, and connections between said driving element and said feed operating member.

6l. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means for intermittently driving said feed operating member at a relatively low speed in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a drive shaft, a ratchet and pawl device coaxial therewith and including a ratchet ring and a cooperating oscillatory pawl carrier both surrounding said shaft, and driving connections between said shaft and said ratchet and pawl device for driving said device.

62. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed Operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means for intermittently driving said feed operating member at a relatively low speed in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a drive shaft, a coaxial driven shaft, a ratchet and pawl device coaxial therewith and including a ratchet ring and a cooperating oscillatory pawl carrier both surrounding said drive shaft, driving connections between said drive shaft and said ratchet and pawl device for driving said device, and driving connections between said ratchet and pawl device and said driven shaft.

63. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for intermittently driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a drive shaft, a ratchet and pawl device coaxial therewith including an oscillatory pawl carrier surrounding said shaft, and driving connections between said drive shaft and said pawl carrier for actuating the latter.

64. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for intermittently llfl 

